Assam Passes Strict Anti‑Polygamy Bill, 2025 — Major Legal Shift in Marriage Laws

In a landmark legislative move, the Assam Legislative Assembly has passed the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, making it one of the most stringent laws against polygamy in India. The Bill criminalises entering into a second marriage without the legal dissolution of the first, with provisions for strict punishments and fines. This move is seen as a step toward reinforcing marital accountability, protecting women’s rights, and aligning state law with evolving social and legal norms.

Background and Legislative Context

The Bill was introduced during the Winter Session of the Assam Assembly and followed the state’s broader policy direction under the current government to bring in civil law reforms focused on social accountability and gender equality. The move comes after state-wide consultations and legal review initiated by a special committee, which found multiple instances of polygamous unions adversely impacting women, especially in economically vulnerable communities.

Earlier, Assam had also announced interest in implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) — and the current law is viewed as an early step toward that goal. With rising public support for uniform marriage laws and growing awareness of women’s rights, this legislation reflects a shift toward a more standardised and just legal framework.

Core Provisions of the Assam Anti-Polygamy Law

• Criminalisation of Polygamy: Any second marriage without formally dissolving the first is now illegal.
• Concealing a Previous Marriage: Punishable by up to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.
• Second Marriage Without Divorce: Carries a punishment of up to 7 years’ imprisonment.
• Repeat Offenders: Will face double the punishment prescribed for first-time offences.
• Penalties for Religious Clerics: Those officiating such marriages can be fined up to ₹1.5 lakh.
• Obstructing Justice: Hiding or delaying disclosure of a prior marriage to authorities may lead to 2 years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹1 lakh.
• Public Sector Restrictions: Convicted individuals will become ineligible for government jobs and state welfare benefits.
• Support for Victims: Provisions are included to set up a compensation fund for women affected by polygamous marriages.

Exemptions under the Law

The Act explicitly does not apply to,

• Tribal communities recognised under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which covers autonomous councils in Assam like Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, and Bodoland.
• Scheduled Tribes in Assam are also exempt, in recognition of their customary and personal laws.

This exemption acknowledges constitutional protections for indigenous practices while introducing uniformity in the rest of the state.

Implications and Significance

• For Women: This law could empower women by giving them legal tools to challenge exploitative marital practices and seek compensation.
• For Society: Establishes stronger norms around monogamous marriage, while making social accountability enforceable through legal means.
• For Governance: Demonstrates how state laws can work toward legal uniformity while respecting tribal autonomy under the Constitution.
• For Future Reforms: Sets the tone for more civil law reforms in the state and possibly in other states considering similar frameworks.

Static Facts

• Name of Law: Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025
• Punishment for Concealment: Up to 10 years’ imprisonment
• Punishment for Second Marriage without Divorce: Up to 7 years
• Repeat Offenders: Double the punishment
• Exemptions: Sixth Schedule areas and Scheduled Tribes
• Introduced during: Winter Session of Assam Assembly, 2025
• Ineligibility clause: Convicted persons barred from public employment and state benefits
• Victim Support: Compensation fund to aid affected women